A tall, conical evergreen tree stands in a well-maintained green front yard with a lawn, shrubs, a stone wall, and a house in the background.

Persian Ironwood Shrub

2-3ft
$54.95
$54.95
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A tall, conical evergreen tree stands in a well-maintained green front yard with a lawn, shrubs, a stone wall, and a house in the background.
  • A tall, conical evergreen tree stands in a well-maintained green front yard with a lawn, shrubs, a stone wall, and a house in the background.
  • Plant size guide showing different plant heights with corresponding measurements.
  • Close-up of a tree trunk and branching branches with green foliage in the background, photographed outdoors in a park-like setting.
  • A close-up of a textured leaf with prominent green veins and dark reddish-purple edges, set against a soft, blurred dark gray background.
  • A large deciduous tree with fresh bright green foliage growing in a landscaped garden bed, with other trees, a bench, and a low stone border visible around it.
  • A tall, conical evergreen tree stands in a well-maintained green front yard with a lawn, shrubs, a stone wall, and a house in the background.
  • Plant size guide showing different plant heights with corresponding measurements.
  • Close-up of a tree trunk and branching branches with green foliage in the background, photographed outdoors in a park-like setting.
  • A close-up of a textured leaf with prominent green veins and dark reddish-purple edges, set against a soft, blurred dark gray background.
  • A large deciduous tree with fresh bright green foliage growing in a landscaped garden bed, with other trees, a bench, and a low stone border visible around it.
Persian Ironwood Shrub

Persian Ironwood Shrub

$54.95
$54.95
Size

Parrotia persica

The Persian Ironwood is a magnificent, multi-stemmed deciduous tree or large shrub celebrated for its mesmerizing, multi-season display and exceptional structural architecture. Best known for its jaw-dropping autumn transformation, this resilient native beauty transitions effortlessly through the seasons.

In late winter to early spring, before the foliage emerges, it produces curious, spidery clusters of crimson-red flowers framed by dark, fuzzy bracts that offer a striking pop of color against the cold landscape. As spring progresses, leaves unfurl with a vibrant reddish-purple margin before maturing to a lustrous, dark glossy green. When autumn arrives, the canopy erupts into a breathtaking kaleidoscope of fiery orange, glowing yellow, and deep crimson. Exfoliating, cinnamon-colored bark adds rich visual texture year-round.

The Ecological Footprint

  • Wildlife Sanctuary: An exceptional ecological anchor, offering dense architectural branching that provides safe, secure nesting sites for songbirds.

  • The Early Nectar Source: Produces unusual red winter flowers with prominent stamens that provide early-season pollen and nectar resources for emerging pollinators.

  • Urban Resilience: Highly tolerant of urban pollution, compacted soils, and confined planting spaces, making it a robust choice for city landscapes.

  • Structural Anchor: Robustly establishes deep roots and a strong framework, making it ideal for anchoring garden designs and adding four-season architectural interest to your property.

The Honest Harvest (What to Expect)

  • The Perks: Exceptional multi-season color displays, highly durable and pest-resistant wood, excellent drought tolerance once established, and stunning exfoliating bark.

  • The Caveats: Growth rate is slow to moderate, meaning it requires patience to reach its mature size. It can experience leaf scorch if planted in intensely hot, reflective afternoon sun without adequate root moisture.

Specifications

  • Botanical Name: Parrotia persica

  • Common Names: Persian Ironwood, Parrotia, Iron Tree

  • Mature Height: 20-40 feet

  • Mature Width: 15-30 feet

  • Growth Rate: Slow to moderate (12-18 inches per year)

  • Lifespan: 50-100+ years

  • USDA Zones: 4-8

  • Chill Hours: *

  • Sun Preference: Full sun to partial shade (best autumn color in full sun)

  • Soil Type: Deep, rich, moist, well-draining soils; highly adaptable to various soil types

  • Soil pH: Acidic to neutral (6.0-7.0)

  • Water Needs: Moderate; prefers regular moisture when young, drought-tolerant once established

  • Flower Color: Crimson red; late winter to early spring

  • Fruit Type: Small, woody two-valved capsules; autumn

  • Pollinators: *

  • Growth Habit: Upright, spreading, multi-stemmed tree or large shrub

  • Spacing: 15-20 feet apart for a natural screen or individual specimen planting

  • Landscape Uses: Specimen tree, privacy screens, urban street plantings, woodland gardens, lawn accents

  • Maintenance Level: Low (requires minimal pruning once established)

Planting & Care Guide

  • Hydration: Saturate the planting area thoroughly before setting the shrub into the ground, and maintain consistent moisture during its initial setting phase.

  • Siting: Choose a location that receives full sun to partial shade with good air circulation and rich, well-draining soil for optimal growth and brilliant fall color.

  • Mulching: Apply a thick 3-inch layer of organic mulch around the base to lock in ground moisture and mimic the natural forest floor, keeping the mulch clear of the main stem.

  • Establishment: Ensure the shrub receives regular, deep waterings during its first two growing seasons to help establish its extensive root system.

  • Pruning: Generally requires little pruning. Shape in late winter or early summer to remove any crossing, damaged, or low-hanging branches to highlight its natural branching habit and exfoliating bark.

  • Fertilization: Generally unnecessary. If your soil is exceptionally poor, a light top-dressing of organic compost in early spring will provide all the nutrients it needs.

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